Well, well. Look who showed up on time 👀

Hertford's got a busy one lined up - and frankly, we wouldn't have it any other way. This Friday the town transforms into something between a harbourside festival and a very good excuse to be outside all weekend, as the Hertford Shanty Festival takes over five venues across town. Free entry. Cold drinks. Zero plans required.

If that's not your vibe, there's also The Vicar of Dibley live on stage at BEAM, the Farmers' Market back on Saturday, a 7-bedroom historic Rectory that looks like it belongs in a period drama, and - because we're thoughtful like that - a full Father's Day Guide so you've got absolutely no excuses come Sunday the 21st.

Oh, and the weather? Rough start and brilliant finish. Stick with it 🙌

☕ This week’s reader shout-out goes to Becky, who was first to drop us her favourite coffee spot: Thirteen. Judging by the number of people who agreed, it seems she’s not the only fan. Enjoy your voucher, Becky!

Right. Let's get into it.

👇 Here’s this week’s lineup:

• What’s On

• Community Highlights

• Kiddies Scoop

• Eye Catching Deal: Fish & chip night

• Property Of The Week: A historic Hertford Rectory

• Weather: Rough start, lovely finish

• Mind, Health & Fitness

• Extra Sprinkles: Father’s Day Ideas

WHAT’S ON

🎭 ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

The Vicar of Dibley - A Holy Wholly Happy Ending
📅 Tue. 10 - Sat. 13 Jun | Various Times 📍 BEAM, Hertford
The beloved BBC sitcom comes to life on stage, bringing Geraldine Granger, the Parish Council and all the familiar village chaos to Hertford.
🎟 Tickets vary - Book here

Four Rivers Folk Club
📅 Tue. 10 Jun | 8pm 📍 The Hertford Club
Settle in for an evening of live folk music, good company and a warm atmosphere at one of Hertford’s most characterful venues. A lovely midweek outing for music lovers. 🎟Details here

EPONINE - Live
📅 Fri. 12 Jun | 20:00 📍 Brothership Studio, Hertford
An intimate live music evening at one of Hertford’s most unique small venues. With only 50 tickets available, this promises to be a special up-close performance in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
🎟 Book here

Born of Ink: Writing Villains Workshop
📅 Sat. 13 Jun | 10:30-14:00 📍 Nourish, Hertford
Spend a summer day on the dark side at this engaging and collaborative writing workshop for adults. Designed to help writers create complex, memorable villains, it's a great opportunity to sharpen your storytelling skills alongside fellow creatives.
🎟 £30 - Book here

Paint & Slurp: Coastal Landscape Workshop
📅 Mon. 15 Jun | 13:00-15:30 📍 Artshed Arts Centre, Westmill Farm, Ware
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of painting and creativity as you create your own coastal landscape on an A3 canvas, all while enjoying a cuppa. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike.
🎟 £30 per person - Book here

🏰 COMMUNITY + FAMILY

Hertford Farmers Market + Meet Your Councillor
📅 Sat. 13 Jun | Morning 📍 Hertford Town Centre
The second Saturday of the month means one thing - the Farmers Market is back. Seasonal local produce, artisan bakes, fresh flowers, and a chance to share your views on the local area.

All Day Rugby Festival - LIT7s Super Sevens Series
📅 Sat. 13 Jun | All Day 📍 Hertford RFC
Hertford RFC is hosting a round of the prestigious London International Super Sevens Series. Fast-paced elite rugby, brilliant local atmosphere, brilliant day out.
🎟 Details here

Father's Day Craft Afternoon
📅 Sun. 14 Jun | 14:00-15:15 📍 The Mill House, Hertford
Get Father's Day ready with a fun and informal craft workshop for little ones. Children will decorate wooden crates for Father's Day gifts and create handprint cards for dads, grandads, uncles and other special father figures.
🎟 Details here

Simmer Down - Strictly Vinyl Session
📅 Sun. 14 Jun | 16:30 📍 Mad Squirrel Taproom, Hertford
Soul, funk, disco, rare groove, reggae and feel-good vinyl selections from Ricky Lee, Tim Fielding and Luke S.
🎟 Details here

Farm Club Launch at Tewinbury
📅 Sat. 13 Jun | 11:00-16:00 📍 Farm Club, Tewinbury
Be among the first to explore Tewinbury's new Farm Club and meet the teams behind Farm Fitness, Studio 281 B&A and Contained Wellness. Fitness taster sessions, cold plunges, street food, live music and a chance to see what's coming next for this exciting new wellness space.
🎟 Free to attend - RSVP here

🌱 HEALTH + WELLBEING

Churches Count on Nature - Wildlife Survey
📅 Running 6-14 Jun 📍 All Saints' Church, Hertford
Join a national initiative to survey the wildlife living in and around All Saints' Church. A lovely, easy way to connect with nature right in the heart of town.
🎟 Free - Details here

Green Watch Talk: Swifts
📅 Sat. 13 Jun | From 11:30 📍 All Saints' Church, Hertford
Did you know swifts spend almost their entire lives in the air? A fascinating free talk on these incredible birds and what we can do locally to support them.
🎟 Free - Details here

Free Swimming Lessons - Drowning Prevention Week
📅 Wed. 17-Thu. 18 Jun 📍 Hartham Leisure Centre, Hertford

👉🏼 Hertfordshire Health Walks are a great way to get out, get active or just meet up with a friend to catch up over a lovely stroll. Free , all welcome - more here.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

BEAM Announces This Year's Christmas Panto: Jack & The Beanstalk
📅 9 Dec - 3 Jan 2027 📍 BEAM, Hertford
Following last year's record-breaking panto success, BEAM has announced that Imagine Theatre will return this Christmas with Jack & The Beanstalk.

Expect all the classic panto magic families know and love, from laugh-out-loud slapstick and familiar musical numbers to plenty of audience participation. A star cast is still to be revealed, but if previous years are anything to go by, tickets are likely to fly!

🎟 Details & tickets here

The Book & Bottle Opens Its’ Doors This Week 📚🍷
A new independent bookshop and wine spot is coming to Hertford, with The Book & Bottle officially opening on 10 June. Combining great books, good wine and community events, it's already shaping up to be one of the town's most exciting new openings.

KIDDIES SCOOP

Hertford Museum - Toddler Tuesday
📅 Today | 10:30–11:45 📍 Hertford Museum
Crafts, singing, stories and fun for the Under 4s - plus a drink included!
🎟 £4.50 per child - Details here

Take Flight
📅 Sun. 14 Jun | 50 Minutes 📍 BEAM, Hertford
A magical aerial theatre show for babies aged 0-2 and their grown-ups, following the journey of a mother bird and her baby through music, movement and interactive storytelling. Little ones can also explore the set and props after the show.
🎟 £8–£20 - Book here

Tewin Exhibition at Hertford Museum
📅 Running until 28 Jun 📍 Hertford Museum
A brilliant local history exhibition on the village of Tewin. Great for curious kids and grown-ups alike - and there's still plenty of time left to pop in. 🎟 Details here

LEGO Club
📅 Ongoing | Ages 5-11 📍 Hertford Library
Build something brilliant, make some mates. Regular LEGO sessions for children aged 5-11 - drop in and enjoy. 🎟 Details here

🔥 EYE CATCHING DEAL

Fish & Chip Night at The White Lion
📅 Every Tuesday & Wednesday | From 18:00 📍 The White Lion, Bengeo
Skip the cooking and head to The White Lion for their popular Fish & Chip Night.
🎟 All meals under £10 - Eat in or takeaway

🏡 PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Welcome to The Old Rectory, St. Andrew Street

There are properties in Hertford, and then there are pieces of actual history. This is the latter.

A truly elegant 7-bedroom detached former Rectory, tucked away in Hertford's historic town centre, just steps from St Andrews Church along a long private driveway, yet a short stroll from BEAM, the riverbank, and all the best spots in town. It's Grade II listed, spans over 4,000 sq ft, and is absolutely loaded with original character features throughout.

Whether or not you're buying, this one's worth a look just for the photos.

Take a look inside →

🌦 HERTFORD WEATHER: 9 - 15 JUNE 2026

Not the most glorious week on paper, but there's a silver lining right when you need it.

The start of the week is wet - Tue + Wed both looking rainy (20°C). Thurs stays unsettled with further showers (19°C) and a stiff westerly wind.

But here's the good news: the weekend rescues it. Friday starts to improve, and by Sat + Sun we're looking at drier, brighter conditions with temps nudging back up to 21-22°C.

✨ MIND, HEALTH + FITNESS

Sometimes the bravest thing isn't the big dramatic gesture.

It's the quiet decision to stop tolerating something that's been draining you for months. The job, the relationship, the habit, the mindset. You don't always need a plan - sometimes you just need the conviction that you deserve better. That decision, made quietly, on an ordinary Tuesday? That's the real turning point.

💜 And if you're going through something and could use someone to talk to - the Coffee & Coping men's sessions at the Hertford Club are free, no-fuss, and genuinely good. Your GP is always a great first step too.

🧁 EXTRA SPRINKLES

Your Complete Hertford Shanty Festival 2026 Guide

If you haven't been to the Hertford Shanty Festival before, here's what you need to know: it's free, it's brilliant and it happens across five different venues across town.

No tickets. No fuss. Just rock up, find a good spot, and let the shanties wash over you. Ideally with a cold drink in hand and absolutely zero plans for the rest of the afternoon. ⚓

💙 FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL

Father's Day is just around the corner - Sunday 21st June - and if you haven't sorted something yet, don't panic. We've got you covered with the best local ideas, from proper Sunday lunches to experiences Dad will actually remember.

🍽️ Where to Take Dad for Lunch or Dinner

The Cowper Arms, Cole Green - A dedicated Father's Day 3-course. Think Trio of Roasts, a Dirty Burger, and the kind of countryside pub atmosphere that makes the whole day feel special.

Ember - Ideal if Dad appreciates great food and a more premium dining experience.

Nelore Brazilian Steak House - Unlimited grilled meats and a lively atmosphere.

College Arms, Hertford A proper neighbourhood gem with the kind of Sunday roast that reviewers describe as "fantastic and underpriced."

🎁 Gift Ideas Dad Will Actually Use

Can't decide what to get him? Here are a few ideas that beat a novelty mug every time:

A Lussmanns Meal Voucher - If you want to give Dad the gift of a great meal on his own terms, Lussmanns sell meal vouchers online. He picks the date, the occasion, and the excuse for a second glass of wine. Simple and genuinely thoughtful.

Supercar Driving Experience, Hemel Hempstead - Got a dad who'd rather be behind the wheel of a Lamborghini than a lawn mower? There are brilliant driving experiences at Hemel Hempstead from just £69 - Lamborghinis, Porsches, Ferraris, even a classic Mustang. The kind of gift that gets talked about for years.

Golf Lesson at Marriott Hanbury Manor - One for the golfing dads - a PGA Pro lesson at Hanbury Manor, one of Hertfordshire's finest courses. Reviews call it "fabulous" and "an amazing location." Whether he's a seasoned player or a complete beginner, this is a day he'll genuinely look forward to.

Crossover Blendery Craft Beer Bundle - For the dad who knows his ales - Crossover Blendery in Hertfordshire creates handcrafted, small-batch brews you genuinely won't find anywhere else. Their taproom opens on Sundays (12pm–5pm), or you can order a gift bundle online and get 10% off your first order. A brilliant locally-made present.

Father's Day Pottery Freestyle Workshop - Bring Dad along for a creative Father's Day experience at Tewinbury Farm & Hotel and learn three essential pottery techniques: slab building, pinch pots and coil building. A lovely way to spend some quality time together while getting creative.

🚶 Things To Do With Dad

Not a big fan of restaurant bookings or buying another pair of socks? Sometimes the best Father's Day plans are the simplest ones. Here are a few local ideas:

Morning Walk Along the River Lea
Grab a coffee, find a bench and enjoy a leisurely stroll by the river. No grand plans required - just a bit of quality time together.

McMullen Brewery Tour
Go behind the scenes at Hertford's iconic brewery and discover nearly 200 years of local brewing history. Tours include beer samples for adults, while the brewery yard will be open all day with food, drinks and garden games.

Hertfordshire Zoo
If the grandkids are joining too, this one's a fail-safe. Meet the animals, enjoy the attractions and let Dad pretend he's not having more fun than everyone else.

⏰ Father's Day is Sunday 21 June - if you're booking a restaurant, do it this week. The good tables go fast!

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